A few days ago I reported on the partial settlement in a case concerning illegal online distribution of the 4e D&D Player’s Handbook 2. The following day a lengthy discussion ensued in a thread over at Slashdot.org on this case. While skimming the through the responses, I happened upon reference to an old article (March 2001) on the rise and fall of WotC before Hasbro: “Death to the Minotaur,” by John Tynes. This was the first I had heard of the piece; and since I found it interesting, I feel compelled to share it with those of you who never saw it the first time around or would like to read it again. Below are links to parts 1-2 and 2-2. Enjoy!
How Wizards of the Coast sacrificed its geeky, Gothic, sex-for-all idealism for Pokémon-size profits and Magic moola. First of two parts.
After a disastrous corporate drinking game, Wizards of the Coast grows up — and loses its soul. Second of two parts.